Nanette Reynolds Beachner’s journey started in New York City. At the age of 2 months,she began traveling the world as a Foreign Service Brat, living in the West Indies,Europe, and Southeast Asia. Growing up among diverse cultures, she developed a deep appreciation for the artistry found around the world. Fascinated and inspired by the vast array of styles and universal story lines, her travels would have an indelible effect on her, drawing Nanette into the art world.
As a teenager, Nanette became involved in theater both backstage and onstage. By-passing college altogether, Nanette learned as she worked; experimenting with new materials and tools, researching historical styles, and hunting for the right object or image to tell the tale. The skillsets developed during this time would lead to a professional career in theater, film, television, and museum exhibition. These experiences allowed the self-taught artist Nanette was to become to emerge.
Ever the traveler and ever curious to discover different ways of seeing, Nanette’s work continually evolves. Happened-upon-imagery or objects inspire an exploration of the unexpected. Though she may at times address issues of the day that she wishes to bring attention too, Nanette’s fantastical and surreal art continues to depict both her personal story as well as tales we all share.
STATEMENT
It begins with something found. Something happened upon by chance, which compels me to begin a journey. A page in a magazine, a map, a fabric scrap. Always that thought, “What can I make with this image? From this thing?” Allowing happened-upon-imagery or objects to inspire an exploration of the unexpected- fuels my approach to art.
Most of my work starts as collage and remain paper collages. Others, I manipulate the surface applying layers of acrylics in washes and glazes, rendering a finished piece that appears to be more like a painting. And then still others, I abandon the two-dimensional surface all together, using it as a jumping off point to explore assemblage and sculpture.
Throughout my process, I draw on historical and nature imagery to engage the viewer in a shared tactile experience of the world around us. Though my work appears fantastical, the often surreal imagery depicts universal stories we all share, as well as issues that concern me and that I want to bring attention to such as gun violence, and climate change. I invite viewers to take a journey, explore the unexpected, and make a discovery.